This course considers philosophical questions arising from modern physics. Topics include the philosophical significance of the theory of relativity and the philosophy of space and time, the significance and interpretation of quantum mechanics, and the relationship between these two theories. Other topics may include issues in modern cosmology and/or statistical physics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of, in qualitative outline, the major theories of modern physics;
- identify philosophical issues in modern physics;
- demonstrate an understanding of conceptual issues in the foundations of quantum theory and relativity;
- demonstrate an understanding of arguments for and against contentious views in the philosophy of physics; and
- articulate positions and arguments in discussions.
Other Information
To enrol in this course you must have completed 24 units of courses towards a degree, and at least 6 units of PHIL courses or at least 6 units of PHYS courses.Indicative Assessment
- 1 x 2000 word essay (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- 1 x 2500 word essay (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Tutorial participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 35 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 11 hours of tutorials; and,
b) 95 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None specified
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3120 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4800 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8527 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |